Shanul Sharma sings the Indian National Anthem before the Fifth Test

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed a moment of cultural pride as the famous Shanul Sharma sings the Indian National Anthem ahead of the fifth Test between India and Australia. The crowd erupted in applause and set an electric tone for the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy final.

Shanul, an Indian-born tenor celebrated for his stellar operatic career, was joined by Australian singer Michael Paynter, who sang the Australian national anthem. Together, their performances added a unique gravity to the occasion, combining sport with the arts in a memorable prelude to the match.

The reaction of the Sydney crowd said it all – it wasn’t just about cricket. It was about the pride, passion and shared joy of a global spectacle.

Bumrah leads India in crucial encounter

India’s regular captain Rohit Sharma opted out of the match, paving the way for Jasprit Bumrah to lead the way. Winning the toss, Bumrah chose to bat first, indicating a strategic approach to the game.

“We are looking to bat first. We played some good cricket. The last game was exciting. The grass doesn’t look spicy. Our skipper has opted to rest, showing the unity we have,” Bumrah said at the toss. He also confirmed two changes to the line-up: Rohit’s absence and Prasidh Krishna replacing the injured Akash Deep.

Shanul Sharma: A star beyond cricket

Shanul Sharma’s career spans some of the world’s most prestigious opera stages. His performances include iconic roles such as Don Ramiro in La Cenerentola, Tamino in The Magic Flute and Gandhi in Satyagraha. He has graced renowned venues such as the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow and the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro.

The SCG crowd was visibly moved by Shanul’s powerful performance. For the Indian players, the performance was a source of inspiration as they prepared for a do-or-die match.

Very high stakes for India

This match is of great importance for both teams. India need to win to keep alive their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final. A defeat or a draw would guarantee Australia’s qualification alongside South Africa.

The energy of Shanul’s performance seemed to resonate with the Indian team, adding a spark to their determination. With the SCG buzzing, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the series.

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